ADRIAN, Mich. -- The Adrian College NCSA D1 softball team wrapped up a tripleheader against Michigan State University on Sunday, battling across three competitive contests and earning a split on the day.
Game 1: MSU 11, Adrian 7
Adrian responded well after an early deficit but ultimately fell short in the opener, 11-7. Michigan State plated four runs in the first inning, but the Bulldogs answered with a four-run second to take a 5-4 lead. Gianna Evans and Michelle Huffman highlighted the rally, with Huffman delivering a key two-RBI single. Adrian stayed within striking distance throughout, but a four-run seventh inning from the Spartans proved to be the difference. Huffman led the Bulldogs with two hits and three RBIs, while Anica Allstead and Greer Simpson each recorded multi-hit performances. Elizabeth Grady started the game in the circle throwing one strikeout, while Kaitlyn Fry came in on relief pitching the last inning throwing one strikeout and allowing three hits and four runs scored.
Game 2: MSU 8, Adrian 6
The Bulldogs dropped a back-and-forth second game, 8-6, despite a late surge. Michigan State built an 8-0 lead through four innings before Adrian mounted a strong comeback in the fifth. Anna Ignatoski sparked the rally with a three-run home run, while Huffman added a two-RBI double to cut the deficit to two. Adrian threatened late but was unable to complete the comeback. Evans and Allstead each collected two hits, while Ignatoski finished with a team-high three RBIs. Kaitlyn Fry started on the mound for the Bulldogs, pitching in 3.1 innings throwing one strikeout, while Elizabeth Grady stepped in throwing one strikeout and allowing two hits and zero runs scored in 1.2 innings pitched. Haley Holmes stepped up to the mound finishing off the game allowing zero hits and zero runs scored in two innings pitched.
Game 3: Adrian 6, MSU 5
Adrian closed the day on a high note, edging the Spartans 6-5 in the finale. The Bulldogs jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning and held off multiple Michigan State pushes throughout the game. Greer Simpson led the offense with two hits and an RBI, while Huffman and Grady had one hit each. Adrian capitalized on key moments, including taking advantage of defensive miscues and timely hitting to regain the lead late. Anjelica Bolivar started the game on the mound pitching 4.1 innings, throwing one strikeout, allowing six hits and four runs scored. Haley Holmes came in relief earning the win, throwing one strikeout and only allowing two hits and one run scored in 2.2 innings pitched.
The Bulldogs now sit at a 9-17 overall record and look to build on another competitive opponent Saturday as they host University of Michigan for another tripleheader. First pitch set for 11:00 AM.
